Matthew Cook - War artist

Matthew Cook will talk about his time as ’The Times’ newspaper's war artist, in Iraq, Afghanistan and other destinations drawing the British Army in action. 

Matthew has been illustrating for nearly 35 years on location for The Times newspaper, the MoD in Afghanistan and the Iraq war. His work has taken him to North Korea, Sierra Leone, USA, Italy, Portugal, New Zealand and Australia.

He served in the Reserves for 15 years in the Parachute Regiment and The Rifles with operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Matthew’s work has been exhibited at the MoD Main building in Whitehall, The Imperial War Museum and the National Army Museum in Chelsea. He has also drawn travel guides, walking routes,  covered several elections, designed sets of Royal Mail stamps, posters for Wimbledon tennis and numerous magazines and book covers. 

Matthew talks eloquently and thoughtfully about his experiences. He says that ‘the perspective of time has taught me that war art has a longevity far beyond news photos and film footage. It soon becomes a historical record of it’s time. My work is entirely drawn from experience and mostly on the spot, and I see it as a record of everyday life during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan’.

The talk will take place on May 6th, 7.30 at the Widcombe Social Club. It will be image led and give a fascinating overview of Matthew’s unique experiences.